August 18, 2004

“All You Can Eat Theatre”
AT THE ASOLO

SARASOTA, FL (August 18, 2004) - In an effort to make live professional theatre more affordable to the public, the Asolo Theatre Company is offering a new special value $99 Play Pass that allows theatregoers to see as many plays as they want, as often as they like, throughout the 2004-2005 season for productions in the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre. The $99 Play Pass is in addition to the already popular Asolo $25 Student Pass. Actors Equity Association members may also purchase a $25 Play Pass for the season.

“We were pleased to make live professional theatre more affordable for students last season with our $25 Student Pass. It was very well received. We’re excited to bring it back this season, plus offer our new $99 Play Pass to a wider audience and to provide Equity members with a $25 Play Pass,” explained Howard Millman, producing artistic director at the Asolo.

Besides affordability, the Asolo’s new Play Pass programs provide benefits such as ultimate spontaneity and the opportunity to see as many plays as the pass holder wants, as often as he or she would like. Once the pass is purchased, pass holders simply go to the Box Office with a photo ID and their pass, one hour before the performance, to receive best available seating at that time. Seating is first come first served. The card is not valid for Menopause The Musical ™, but discounted tickets to that show are available to all Play Pass holders and season subscribers until Dec 15, 2004.

The Play Pass and Student Pass also may be purchased as gifts. For details or to buy an Asolo Play Pass, stop by or call the Box Office at 941-351-8000 or toll-free at 800-361-8388. Student Pass information is also available at www.asolo.org/studentpass.htm.

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The Asolo is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, The Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Sarasota Arts Council. The Asolo Theatre Company’s Shakespeare productions are sponsored in part by Shakespeare in American Communities, a national theater initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Sallie Mae Fund in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Additional funding is also received through the efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Theatre Guild, The Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.